Luna’s Boutique opens in former Litchfield jail

April Matthews recently opened Luna's Boutique in the former jail on West Street in Litchfield.

Photo: Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

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April Matthews recently opened Luna's Boutique in the former jail on West Street in Litchfield.

Photo: Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

Image 3 of 6

April Matthews recently opened Luna's Boutique in the former jail on West Street in Litchfield.

Photo: Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

Image 4 of 6

April Matthews recently opened Luna's Boutique in the former jail on West Street in Litchfield.

Photo: Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

Image 5 of 6

April Matthews recently opened Luna's Boutique in the former jail on West Street in Litchfield.

Photo: Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media

Image 6 of 6

April Matthews recently opened Luna's Boutique in the former jail on West Street in Litchfield.

LITCHFIELD — Inspired by opportunity, Morris native April Matthews recently opened Luna’s Boutique in the former jail on North Street in Litchfield. The little shop is the first to open in the vintage structure, located on the corner of Route 202/West Street and North Street in the historic Litchfield Borough.

Matthews has run a hair salon in Thomaston for more than 30 years, and decided to start this new venture after taking a look at the former jail, which was recently renovated and is now taking tenants.

“We just stopped and I just had the idea, and went for the idea,” said Matthews.

The former jail struck her as an attractive property, she said. In the future, she envisions folks stopping to have a cup of coffee and a bite to eat, as other businesses open there.

“The old jail from the 1800s is just a cool building, and I just know, when it’s all said and done, it’s going to be a great location,” said Matthews.

Matthews said the hope of the shop is to provide high-end clothing, jewelry and accessories suitable for young people and those just starting their families and provide a boutique experience, with unique goods.

Her children — her daughter’s in college, her son in high school — impressed the need for such a store on her, and she decided to take the step and open up.

“It’s geared for everyone to be able to afford to shop in Litchfield,” said Matthews.

The response has been positive so far, Matthews said — in the last several weeks, she has had more than 900 visitors, and people have been complimentary.

“Everybody says the same thing — Litchfield has needed a funky boutique like this forever, and they just said ‘You have great taste, and we love everything in here — it’s just such a great place,’” said Matthews.

Matthews was raised on Bantam Lake in Morris and is now a Litchfield resident.

She became interested in fashion as a teenager, drawn by the excitement and the fun of it, and the chance to always do something different. It dovetails with her work at the hair salon, which she plans to continue.

“I’ve always loved fashion and design,” said Matthews. “I’ve been in the fashion industry my whole life, with hair, and I’ve always been to shows in New York City — design shows — so I had the eye for it anyway.”

She has enjoyed the response from the community, she said.

“It’s just going really well,” said Matthews.

More information about Luna’s Boutique is available on the store’s Facebook page, facebook.com/lunasbyapril. The address is 7 North St.